Living Well and Working Well with a Disability

Living Well and Working Well with a Disability are evidence-based, peer-led health promotion workshops provided by organizations that serve people with disabilities. The Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities (RTC:Rural) at The Rural Institute provides training and certification for Centers for Independent Living (CILs) and other organizations to conduct the workshops.

Both Living Well and Working Well are based on the Independent Living philosophy which recognizes that individual choice and self-determination are essential components of living independently in the community.

Living Well with a Disability

Living Well helps participants to set and reach quality-of-life goals by developing a healthy lifestyle.

Working Well with a Disability

Working Well builds on the concepts introduced in Living Well but focuses on improving health in preparation for, or maintaining, employment.

As a result of participating in the workshops, Living Well and Working Well participants report that they have an improved outlook, have developed a healthier lifestyle and have reduced limitations due to secondary conditions. In addition, many also report greater community participation.